Telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria are planning to invest about N1.4 trillion in network expansion, as part of efforts to improve service quality and expand coverage nationwide, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The regulator said the planned investment would be directed towards infrastructure upgrades, capacity expansion, and improved connectivity, as rising data consumption continues to place pressure on existing networks.
Speaking on the development, the NCC’s executive vice-chairman, Aminu Maida, said the scale of the investment reflects the industry’s response to growing demand for digital services across the country.
“The telecommunications sector continues to experience rapid growth in data traffic, and operators are responding with significant investments to expand and modernise their networks,” Maida said.
He noted that the proposed spending would support the deployment of additional base stations, fibre infrastructure, and other critical network components aimed at improving service reliability and coverage, particularly in underserved areas.
The NCC said sustained investment is crucial as Nigeria’s digital economy expands, driven by increased smartphone adoption, mobile broadband usage, and the growing role of digital platforms in commerce, education, and public services.
Industry analysts say the planned N1.4 trillion investment could help address persistent challenges such as network congestion, dropped calls, and slow data speeds, which have remained a concern for subscribers. However, they also note that rising operating costs, energy expenses, and foreign exchange pressures could affect the pace of implementation.
Maida acknowledged these challenges, stressing the need for a supportive policy and regulatory environment.
“For operators to deliver on these investments, there must be stability in policy and improved access to critical resources, including power and foreign exchange,” he said.
The NCC added that it would continue to engage with operators to ensure that investments translate into measurable improvements in quality of service, while also supporting the government’s broader digital transformation agenda.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is one of the country’s largest contributors to economic output, and regulators say continued infrastructure investment will be essential to sustaining growth and meeting the connectivity needs of businesses and consumers.
